Sjögren’s Syndrome Testing (SJO) in Chicago, IL
Persistent dry eyes and dry mouth are often dismissed as minor annoyances — but they can be early warning signs of a serious autoimmune condition called Sjögren’s syndrome. At Ideal Family Eye Care, we offer the SJO™ advanced diagnostic test to help identify Sjögren’s syndrome in its earliest, most treatable stages. If you’ve been struggling with chronic dry eyes that haven’t responded to standard treatment, this test could be the key to finally getting answers.
request an appointmentWhat Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the moisture-producing glands — particularly the salivary and lacrimal (tear) glands. This leads to the hallmark symptoms of persistent dry eyes and dry mouth. The condition was first described by Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren in 1933, and today it affects as many as 4 million Americans — with nine out of ten patients being women.
While dry eyes and dry mouth are the most recognized symptoms, Sjögren’s syndrome can affect virtually every organ system in the body. Patients may also experience:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Dry skin and nasal passages
- Difficulty swallowing
- Kidney, liver, lung, and vascular involvement in more severe cases
- An increased risk of developing lymphoma
People in their 40s are most commonly diagnosed, though Sjögren’s can occur at any age. Importantly, chronic dry eye disease is often the very first sign that Sjögren’s syndrome may be present — which is why having your dry eye symptoms properly evaluated at Ideal Family Eye Care is so important.
What Is the SJO™ Test?
SJO™ is an advanced, highly sensitive diagnostic blood test designed to detect Sjögren’s syndrome — including in its earliest stages, before more serious symptoms develop. The test analyzes both traditional Sjögren’s markers and three novel biomarkers that allow for earlier and more accurate detection of the disease than was previously possible with standard testing alone.
The SJO™ test is quick and simple: it requires only a small finger-prick blood sample, which can be collected right here at Ideal Family Eye Care during your appointment. Results provide your provider with critical information to determine whether Sjögren’s syndrome may be contributing to your chronic dry eye symptoms and to guide the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment & Management of Sjögren’s Syndrome
While there is currently no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, effective symptom management is possible with the right care team and treatment approach. Management typically involves a combination of:
- Prescription and over-the-counter artificial tears and lubricating eye drops for dry eye relief
- Artificial saliva products for dry mouth
- Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids for more significant systemic involvement
- Referral to a rheumatologist for comprehensive systemic management
- Ongoing monitoring and co-management of ocular symptoms at Ideal Family Eye Care
If you experience persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, or fatigue that hasn’t been explained, call Ideal Family Eye Care today at (773) 774-2200 to discuss whether the SJO™ test is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sjögren’s Syndrome & SJO Testing
What is Sjögren’s syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, causing persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain. It affects approximately 4 million Americans and is most common in women in their 40s.
How is Sjögren’s syndrome related to dry eyes?
Chronic dry eye disease is often the first and most prominent symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome. If your dry eyes have not responded well to standard treatments, it may indicate an underlying autoimmune cause. The SJO™ test at Ideal Family Eye Care can help determine whether Sjögren’s is contributing to your symptoms.
What is the SJO™ test and how does it work?
SJO™ is an advanced blood test that screens for both traditional Sjögren’s markers and three novel biomarkers, allowing for earlier and more accurate detection. The test requires only a small finger-prick blood sample collected at Ideal Family Eye Care — it is quick, simple, and requires no special preparation.
Who should be tested for Sjögren’s syndrome?
The SJO™ test may be recommended for patients experiencing persistent dry eyes that have not responded to standard treatments, dry mouth, unexplained chronic fatigue, or joint pain. Women in their 40s are at higher risk, though anyone can develop Sjögren’s syndrome.
Is Sjögren’s syndrome curable?
There is currently no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome. However, symptoms can be effectively managed through a combination of eye lubricating drops, anti-inflammatory medications, and systemic treatment in collaboration with a rheumatologist. Early diagnosis through the SJO™ test allows for earlier intervention and better long-term outcomes.
Can Sjögren’s syndrome affect organs beyond the eyes and mouth?
Yes. While dry eyes and dry mouth are the hallmark symptoms, Sjögren’s syndrome can affect many organ systems including the kidneys, lungs, liver, blood vessels, and central nervous system. Patients with Sjögren’s also have an elevated risk of developing lymphoma. This is why early diagnosis and comprehensive management are so important.
How do I schedule SJO testing at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or book an appointment online. Our providers will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether the SJO™ test is appropriate for your situation.